Twilight in the winning zone at National Movie Awards

Vampire saga Twilight was the big winner at the National Movie Awards, taking home three trophies.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the second in the series, was named best fantasy film and its British star Robert Pattinson took the award for best performance.

Its third instalment, Eclipse, which is due out next month, was chosen as the most anticipated summer movie at last night's ITV1 awards.

Pattinson, whose performances as vampire Edward Cullen have made him a huge star, was not able to attend the ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall due to filming commitments but said in a video clip: "It means a lot to me because you the fans decided the winner.

"Thanks for voting for me."

Peter Facinelli, who plays Dr Carlisle Cullen, collected the saga's other awards.

"The character I play is from London so this is a warm welcome home," he said.

"We appreciate you lending us the talents of Robert Pattinson and (Eclipse director) David Slade and we promise to have them home soon."

When Facinelli returned to the stage for a second time he revealed he had promised to include three British words in his acceptance speech but had forgotten first time around.

"Thanks for fancying our films. I'm glad you don't think they are rubbish. I hope you look forward to us kicking some bad vampire bums," he said.

It was also a good night for the Harry Potter series which collected the family film trophy for Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince as well as a special recognition award.

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the young wizard, said: "It's fantastic for us, six films in with two more to go, to still be getting this kind of recognition."

Video: Twilight triumph

Emma Watson, who stars as Hermione Granger, looked emotional as they went up for the second time, to claim the special recognition award presented by Kylie Minogue.

"There will be a huge hole in my heart when it's over," she admitted.

Sherlock Holmes was chosen as film fans' favourite action/thriller and The Time Traveler's Wife was named as breakthrough movie.

Tom Cruise received a screen icon award which was presented to him by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Cruise, who attended the awards with his wife Katie Holmes, said: "It's a real honour for me to be here. This great city of London. This great country England. I've made several films here. I have been fortunate."

Cruise added: "I guess as a film maker the most important thing to me is you.

"If I have entertained you at all, I thank you. Thank you for allowing me to do so."

Jonathan Ross, who presented a clip from the forthcoming Toy Story 3, joked that he was excited and honoured to appear at the awards.

Video: Tom Cruise in London

"Excited because it's ITV and I was looking around," said Ross, who announced in January he was quitting the BBC after 13 years.